Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Coronavirus trendline, 12.11.20: A week of unsettling records

In a possible aftershock from Thanksgiving and holiday travel, Idaho’s new case numbers set a weekly record. Deaths also hit a peak, for the second successive week.

Pandemic prompts Boise State to rewrite spring calendar

After a later-than-usual spring break, students will wrap up the final two weeks of classes online.

K-12 coronavirus case numbers surge after Thanksgiving break

The Department of Health and Welfare on Monday reported at least 419 new cases in the K-12 system — nearing peak numbers from before the holiday.

Video: Idaho Reports, 12.4.20

Miss this week’s “Idaho Reports?” Catch up here.

Coronavirus trendline, 12.4.20: A week of unsettling milestones

On Sunday, confirmed and probable coronavirus cases passed the 100,000 threshold. Later in the week, Idaho’s COVID-19 death toll reached the 1,000 mark.

‘The job found me:’ More about the STEM Action Center transition

Angela Hemingway says she hopes her new job — in government sales for the wireless carrier T-Mobile — will focus on addressing the “digital divide” in Idaho schools.

STEM Action Center head takes private sector post

Angela Hemingway had led the center since its launch in 2015, promoting education in the “STEM” fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Health and Welfare: K-12 coronavirus cases fell during holiday week

The state reported at least 154 new coronavirus cases in K-12 schools during last week, a 69 percent decrease from the previous week.

Coronavirus trendline, 11.27.20: Breaking down numbers from holiday week

New case numbers and deaths decreased from the previous week. It isn’t clear, however, whether these numbers reflect reporting delays due to the short week and the Thanksgiving holiday.